Trauma Support SA

30/07/2026

Protect and Connect: Community Care for Trauma Survivors - https://mailchi.mp/ticisa.org.za/self-care-12774028

21/07/2026

I have wanted to share these words so often. There are certainly days when I struggle....

RAISING AWARENESS about BURNOUT.
I write these words not as an expert looking down from a distance, but as someone who has lived the very struggles I describe.

“For more than two decades, I have walked alongside people in some of the darkest and most vulnerable moments of their lives. I have listened to stories of pain, loss, violence, and unimaginable trauma. I have prayed with survivors, cried with families, and stood with first responders in the aftermath of tragedy. And while this work has been sacred and meaningful, it has also come with a cost—one I did not fully understand until much later in my journey.”
( “Hope Renewed- Care for the Caregiver” By P. Stoneman)

For many years I have served in trauma support — from Chaplaincy with ESC (Emergency Services Chaplaincy), to establishing a R**e Crisis Centre, and later founding Trauma Support SA.

Over time, I have learned that the weight of trauma does not simply pass through us; it accumulates!

Burnout and compassion fatigue are not abstract concepts. They are MY lived EXPERIENCE & reality. They show up as exhaustion that no amount of sleep seems to cure. Emotional numbness, where I dont really want to help but must.

Days where I feel “OK” and days where I struggle to function mentally.

The symptoms can mirror those of secondary trauma, and together they create a cycle that can feel overwhelming.

What I have come to realize is that this is not a short term issue. It is the result of years of exposure, years of carrying stories of pain and crisis. Chronic burnout and compassion fatigue are the companions of those who serve in trauma work.

Naming them is the first step toward healing....

The challenge is not only personal. It is organizational. It also affects many different organizations. Yes, we must learn to trust our teams, to share the load, to create rhythms of rest and reflection. But, TRUST is usually the one construct eroded by burnout and compassionate fatigue/ vicarious trauma…Therefore, we must normalize conversations about the cost of caring, and equip volunteers and professionals alike with strategies for resilience.

Raising awareness matters. Because silence around burnout perpetuates harm.
By speaking openly, we acknowledge both the struggle and the possibility of recovery. We remind ourselves that caring for others must include caring for ourselves.

By Philip Stoneman

13/06/2026

The week that was.. Earlier, a devastating and fatal Motor Bike accident and a family mourns.

Dealing with loss is never easy. There are few words that can be said that can ease the pain or take away the numbing shock. All one can do is be present. Presence versus platitudes and gently guide through the process - support where needed.

03/06/2026

To all the Trauma Support 1st Responders and Trauma Counsellors- Thank you. Keep on doing what you do. Written by Jill Watson

Listen and make your own on Suno.

09/05/2026

Understanding how trauma may affect you is important. Reading in your home language even better. TraumaWise-" Trauma Reactions" in Afrikaans and isiZulu.eventually translating the reactions into all 11 official languages. Volunteers to assist and edit would be welcome.

24/03/2026

Hello everyone,

I’d like to warmly invite you to complete this online form to become a member of Trauma Support SA: https://forms.office.com/r/qQ05gbLUz3

Our vision is to build a collaborative network across South Africa where organizations and individuals can share resources, support one another, and strengthen our collective response to trauma. By joining, you’ll gain access to valuable resources and be part of a growing community committed to making a difference.

⚠️ Please note: We will also be setting up / updating our WhatsApp groups, and establishing Provincial Resource & Network groups – you joining will help us to establish these groups.
Thank you for taking the time to connect and for being part of this journey toward collaboration and shared support.

Best regards,
Philip Stoneman
Trauma Support SA

07/03/2026

Good morning all, we have updated our TSSA membership database / registration form.

If you have previously joined, please would you read the below message and complete the online form so that we can update our records.
“Be part of South Africa’s Trauma Support Community – join TSSA today and make your voice count! As a member, you’ll find strength in solidarity, connect with others who understand, and help create a culture of healing and resilience.

Together, we can ensure that no survivor feels alone.”

“As a member, you’ll connect with a nationwide network committed to trauma support, advocacy, and change.”

“Your membership strengthens our collective voice, ensuring survivors and communities receive the care and recognition they deserve.”

“Together, we can build safer spaces, raise awareness, and influence policies that protect and empower South Africans.”

“Joining TSSA means standing shoulder-to-shoulder with others who believe in healing, resilience, and hope.”

Welcome to TSSA — Trauma Support South Africa. We are honored to have you join our growing trauma‑informed network. This community is a safe and collaborative space where volunteers, chaplains, soc…

20/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Ev3JdZxCM/

20/01/2026

The Value of Trauma Support Collaboration

Trained trauma support volunteers and trauma counsellors, working hand in hand with healthcare professionals such as psychologists and social workers, play a vital role in strengthening our nation’s response to trauma. Their presence ensures that individuals receive timely care, while upward referrals to mental health professionals safeguard access to specialized treatment. At the same time, downward supervision and ongoing training provide accountability, equipping volunteers and counsellors to remain within their scope of practice and to grow in competence.

This collaborative framework is best understood through the five-level model of trauma support services:
1. Education & Awareness – building resilience and reducing stigma.
2. Trauma Support – offering immediate, compassionate care.
3. Trauma Counselling – structured interventions for those in need.
4. Therapy – professional treatment for complex cases.
5. Research – ensuring continuous learning and evidence-based practice.

Together, these levels create a continuum of care where every role is valued, every referral strengthens the system, and every act of support contributes to healing and hope for our country.

Regards
Philip Stoneman
Trauma Support SA

20/01/2026

What are you doing for others?

I love this quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — If you want to improve your world, then focus your attention on helping others!